The Best 70s British TV theme tunes

British television in the 1970s was a golden age of entertainment, with some of the best shows ever made. One of the most memorable aspects of these shows was their theme tunes. From the catchy to the haunting, here are some of the best 70s British TV theme tunes.

The Professionals

The Professionals was a gritty police drama about two tough cops who fought crime on the streets of London. Its theme tune, composed by Laurie Johnson, was a perfect fit for the show's tough, no-nonsense attitude. The tune featured a driving bass line and a powerful brass section that perfectly captured the show's energy and excitement.

The Sweeney

The Sweeney was another classic police drama from the 70s, and its theme tune was just as memorable as The Professionals'. The tune, composed by Harry South, featured a funky bass line and a jazzy horn section that perfectly captured the show's urban, gritty feel.

Doctor Who

Doctor Who has been on the air since the 1960s, but it was in the 70s that the show really hit its stride. The theme tune, composed by Ron Grainer, was a haunting, otherworldly piece of music that perfectly captured the show's sense of adventure and mystery.

The Onedin Line

The Onedin Line was a period drama set in the 19th century, and its theme tune, composed by Aram Khachaturian, was a sweeping, romantic piece of music that perfectly captured the show's sense of history and drama.

Upstairs, Downstairs

Upstairs, Downstairs was a drama about the lives of the rich and the servants who worked for them in a London townhouse. Its theme tune, composed by Alexander Faris, was a gentle, nostalgic piece of music that perfectly captured the show's sense of history and tradition.

The Benny Hill Show

The Benny Hill Show was a comedy sketch show that was hugely popular in the 70s. Its theme tune, "Yakety Sax" by Boots Randolph, was a fast-paced, silly piece of music that perfectly captured the show's irreverent, slapstick humor.

The Good Life

The Good Life was a sitcom about a couple who decide to quit their jobs and live off the land in suburban London. Its theme tune, "The Good Life" by Burt Rhodes and Ronnie Hazlehurst, was a cheerful, upbeat piece of music that perfectly captured the show's sense of optimism and adventure.

The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin

The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin was a comedy about a man who fakes his own death and starts a new life. Its theme tune, "Reggie" by Ronnie Hazlehurst, was a quirky, offbeat piece of music that perfectly captured the show's sense of humor and irreverence.

The Likely Lads

The Likely Lads was a sitcom about two young men growing up in Newcastle. Its theme tune, "Whatever Happened to You and Me" by Mike Hugg, was a wistful, melancholic piece of music that perfectly captured the show's sense of nostalgia and longing.

These are just a few of the best 70s British TV theme tunes. Whether you're a fan of police dramas, period dramas, or comedies, there's a theme tune out there that's sure to get your toes tapping and your heart racing.